Cuddles is a city dog but he’s also an inside dog. There are sunny spots to lie in during winter and cool spots in summer. There are lots of belly scratches as he lies on his back with legs in the air. There are excellent ear scratches and oh, those cushions, he loves to lounge on those. Plus, of course he doesn’t have to deal with those other dogs at the park.

One day his family start packing for a holiday. Great, he thinks. I’ll be off to doggy day care where I will be groomed and coiffed to the hilt. But then … everyone piles into the car … Cuddles is told he’s going on a farm holiday.

At the farm, things are not as expected. He is not invited inside. He’s left outside with the other muster dogs, Tank, Gus and Spike. Where is his soft rug? ‘He tried to make it clear there had been a grave mistake … he is an inside dog!’

He remembers what his family said when he hid the leash to avoid the dog park. Maybe he should give it a go? So, our brave Cuddles tries herding, eating farm dog bones and even lying on a farm dog bed.

This is a gentle yet fun story about stepping outside of your comfort zone to try new things. And that, if you do, good things can happen. You just might find that you enjoy yourself. The illustrations tell the story beautifully hand in hand with the text. Simple tweaks to the way Cuddles is drawn gives him all sorts of emotions.

This is a very charming book that simply put a smile on my face.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens

Age Guide 3+